| Author | Message | ||
| jimmyj
Junior Username: jimmyj Post Number: 34 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey Jake, Good to hear you're working, we're both lucky guys in that regard! Maybe in Bournemouth then... Yes, traveling with your instrument, especially now days, can be rather nerve-racking. Everybody's experiences are different. I know for instance that Jimmy Haslip still carries his instrument in a gig bag onto the plane with him. Through some combination of a smallish bass on the shoulder of a tall and charming guy, he has been able to continue this practice even in this time of uncooperative airlines... I, however, would not recommend trying this because if they absolutely refuse and want to throw it underneath as baggage in it's soft bag, you're screwed. I basically have two levels of travel with my current situations. Both arrangements start with the bass in one of these cases:  These were made by Zero-Halliburton and sold by Gibson as guitar cases for a short time in the mid-70s. You can still buy them with some searching but they're not exactly popular. I like them because they are basically aluminum and foam and so the lightest weight case possible. But there are a couple drawbacks... 1. My 34" scale series basses just barely fit. 2. Gotta replace the latches with the locking variety. 3. The case comes with 4 useless "feet" which immediately dent the shell and break off - my mod is to mount two 1/4 round oak runners along the bottom. 4. Aluminum has no memory so every flight leaves new dents and eventually the case will no longer close properly and has to be replaced. So in situations where I am handling the instrument I simply check this case as baggage, usually with only the bass inside - cables, power supply, DI box, etc, in the other suitcase. I have been lucky with this method (knock on Burl Walnut) - only once did the bass miss a connection and spend the night at the Chicago airport. Didn't sleep well that night but was relieved when the airline delivered it intact the next day. My other situation involves a proper bass trunk. It's a horizontal trunk about the size of 3 of the above cases. I carry two basses (in their aluminum cases) and the center "slot" of the trunk is where my small stage rack, cables, strings and spare everything live. When loaded, this trunk is too heavy to lift so it usually goes by truck to the first date of the tour and travels with all the backline stuff. So in my opinion, start with a hard shell "Anvil" type case and either ship the bass out in advance or check it as baggage and hope for the best. "All risk" insurance is also very important! Sorry for the long post... Jimmy J | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7603 Registered: 5-2002 |
Jimmy; we've had several discussions on this topic, and as you said, everybody's experience is different. The more information about people's experiences, the better; so thanks for posting your take on this topic! | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3547 Registered: 7-2004 |
Jimmy: I join Moder Dave in thanking you for a very informative post on a subject that interests many of us around here. Have you ever checked out Calton Cases? Not inexpensive, but by far the best combination of protection and convenience I've yet found. Loved James Taylor since Sweet Baby James came out. I noticed he was using a Variax at the Inaugural festivities. I suspect he didn't want to take out a nice acoustic in that cold weather! I thought the Variax was cool. Bill, the guitar one | ||
| jakebass
Member Username: jakebass Post Number: 59 Registered: 7-2007 |
Hey Jimmy, thanks for that info, fascinating. I know the woes of flying with instruments all too well and I think Jimmy Haslip must one heck of a charming dude to get his bass on with him, Up until recently I have had to travel with a fully flightcased upright bass, I have been bribed by airport and customs officials in many parts of the world basically saying to me, "you pay or it stays here" I know that if I were to leave it, I would never see it again. I now use a provided Electric Upright, as mine are just too precious to risk current conditions. As for the long post! Seriously, no need to apologise!! Thanks Jake | ||
| wayne
Intermediate Member Username: wayne Post Number: 171 Registered: 5-2002 |
Bill, the good one- I spoke with the owner and production manager at Calton a while back. They do not currently have a mold for a rectangular case that is large enough for a standard Series Alembic bass. I was VERY disappointed. If someone (or a few of us together) wanted to pony up the cost (around $5,000) for them to create a custom fiberglass mold, then they would be able to produce wonderful Calton cases for our wonderful Alembics. C-Ya.........wayne | ||
| wayne
Intermediate Member Username: wayne Post Number: 172 Registered: 5-2002 |
BTW - Jimmy, will you be traveling with James when he comes through Texas in the spring? C-Ya........wayne | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1567 Registered: 12-2002 |
My alembic was decapitated while still in its case during a flight,im thinking it was probably standing straight-up & was knocked down or maybe one of the baggage handlers carelessly tossed it ....who knows? but no matter what kind of case we use there are still careless people out there ! | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1568 Registered: 12-2002 |
My alembic was decapitated while still in its case during a flight,im thinking it was probably standing straight-up & was knocked down or maybe one of the baggage handlers carelessly tossed it ....who knows? but no matter what kind of case we use there are still careless people out there !  | ||
| hankster
Intermediate Member Username: hankster Post Number: 196 Registered: 6-2004 |
Yow. When did that happen Keavin? Not recently I hope. r. | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1569 Registered: 12-2002 |
that pic is from 2000. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3551 Registered: 7-2004 |
Keavin: Though I've seen the picture of Old #12 doing the Marie Antoinette imitation on this site before, it still hurts each time! It's good to know that this historic instrument is in such good hands that it gets all the medical attention it needs and still gets to come out and play instead of gathering dust under someone's bed. If you ever get a gig out here please let me know. I'd LOVE to see #12 in person. Bill, tgo | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1571 Registered: 12-2002 |
   | ||
| georgie_boy
Senior Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 660 Registered: 8-2005 |
Hey Keavin! Just love to see ol' #12. But, when she was decapitated......who did you get to repair her??? | ||
| altgrendel
Junior Username: altgrendel Post Number: 38 Registered: 5-2008 |
I can't imagine anyone other than the Mothership doing that kind of repair. | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 989 Registered: 11-2004 |
IIRC Keavin said it's happened more than once and that he's done the repair himself each time. | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1574 Registered: 12-2002 |
actually the first decapitation was in 1993,it went back to the mothership.the second decap was in 2000,the break was a clean snap whereas it fit right back into place so i grabbed some good wood glue & Bingo!........the 3rd decap was 2002 on stage again (i tripped over the power supply cable).the 4th decap was in 2005 in the studio (power supply cable again/Drunk)! | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2130 Registered: 2-2006 |
We'll need to start calling you "Headhunter Keavin"! LOL OO | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1575 Registered: 12-2002 |
Hey there's nothing wrong with "a little Head" every now & then!........LOL! | ||
| georgie_boy
Senior Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 661 Registered: 8-2005 |
Hi keavin Even after 4 breaks.........does she sound the same??? George | ||
| jimmyj
Junior Username: jimmyj Post Number: 39 Registered: 8-2008 |
Good Lord Keavin! What kind of case was it in when it first broke? I thought a glued, repaired joint was supposed to be stronger than the original wood... But FOUR TIMES? And no, you can't try my bass... Jimmy J | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7628 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hah!!! | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1576 Registered: 12-2002 |
my origonal vintage big blue case  | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1577 Registered: 12-2002 |
 | ||
| georgie_boy
Senior Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 663 Registered: 8-2005 |
You ain't getting a shot of mine either!!!! | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2135 Registered: 2-2006 |
oops dble post OO (Message edited by olieoliver on February 24, 2009) | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2136 Registered: 2-2006 |
You're not kin to Lorena Bobbitt are you Keavin?  OO | ||
| jimmyj
Junior Username: jimmyj Post Number: 40 Registered: 8-2008 |
OK Keavin, now I understand. Well, it's great that you have been able to reassemble it so many times. I find it interesting how different people look after their own gear. I remember seeing my brother once throw his volume and flanger pedal INSIDE the gig bag on top of his bass (Ken Smith at the time). My road bass is pretty dinged up but out of habit I still play with my belt buckle slid over to one side... Everybody has their own style. Jimmy J | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2137 Registered: 2-2006 |
I started doing the belt buckle slide when I got my first Alembic. You should see the back of my old Jazz, shame on me. OO | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 1022 Registered: 6-2002 |
I wore suspenders ONCE while playing my fretted Epic - never again!  Mike | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1578 Registered: 12-2002 |
Thats a good one Olie LOL!, actually the sound isnt affected at all by the decapitations cause all head stocks are glued to the top of the neck anyway,the good thing about the construction of alembic headstocks is that they break clean (no splinters)so its fairly easy to do it your self with a good clamp/glue, plus too im in chicago & aint sending my bass any where with out me with it ever again. | ||
| jakebass
Member Username: jakebass Post Number: 61 Registered: 7-2007 |
Hi Jimmy, you mentioned in an earlier post about how you were glad to hear I'm working and how lucky we both are to do that. There is not a day goes by when I don't think exactly that... It is the greatest gift. You have deservedly worked with some very fine artists and brought a lot to their projects, I have been very lucky and worked with some people who's music I love. Lucky indeed. I was watching some footage of Allan Holdsworth in Tokyo with yourself and Chad Whackerman (what a great name) it was in '84 (the year I left school) Chad was also touring with Zappa that year (I saw them) and then bang!! it hit me, you might know Ike Willis? I toured Europe with Ike in the 90s and in '94 did an orchestral premier of a tribute to Franks music by some contemporary classical composers (orchestra and rhythm section) it was the Belgian T.V and radio orchestra and Robert (Bobby) Martin was on keys and vocals I guess you may know him too? If so, it's a small world :-) Although I wouldn't want to vacuum it. Regards Jake P.S Road Games has some killing playing on it. | ||
| jimmyj
Junior Username: jimmyj Post Number: 43 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey Jake, Thanks for the kind words, we are indeed lucky cats. Ah, '84, seems like only ... a million years ago! I got to LA around '80 and didn't get to know the Zappa circle of guys until later. Subsequently, I've gotten to play with quite a few alumni, some super talented musicians! I probably met both Ike and Bobby at some point but I don't think I ever played with either. That's cool that YOU did! Chad seems to know what the entire extended clan is up to at any given moment. Many good stories there... Oh, if you mean Allan's Road Games album that was Jeff Berlin so I must agree - killer! Best, Jimmy J (Message edited by jimmyj on March 04, 2009) | ||
| uswjtfan
New Username: uswjtfan Post Number: 2 Registered: 4-2006 |
Keavin, Saw the photo and read the posts about your neck breakage. That is whacked man. A friend of mine had his flight case run over by some huge airport vehicle. It crushed the case and broke the neck in half. The flight case company replaced his bass. I knew Steve Bailey when he was in High school. He left his gig bag leaning against the car, forgot about it and ran over it and broke the fretted bass neck in half. Six months later, I was in a bass shop in NYC. I saw Steve's name on a ticket. His fretless bass was in the shop. Why you ask? He did the same exact thing with his fretless. Left it laying agasinst the car, forgot about it and ran over it. Jimmy J. I have enjoyed reading these posts. I ran across this photo recently, from the Grasshopper days, and thought about you. Sounds like everything is great with you. I have enjoyed the many projects that you have played on through the years. I don't know if you remember the friend of Sam's, Ruben, who brought the video camera into the Comeback Inn in 1982 (back when not many people had one). I have since transferred that video to DVD. I recently sent it to Wayne. If you are interested in a copy, you may contact me through my nuclear math website: http://www.radprocalculator.com/Request.aspx (Sorry Alembic fans. This offer is for JJ only, but y'all may watch the video here: http://www.raymcginnis.net - double click on the "Watch Videos" icon on the desktop) Ray McGinnis (Message edited by uswjtfan on March 04, 2009) (Message edited by mica on March 05, 2009) | ||
| jakebass
Member Username: jakebass Post Number: 62 Registered: 7-2007 |
Hi Jimmy, my mistake, (or lack of description) I actually meant the version of Road Games on the video I was watching which included you, but I agree Jeff is great on the album. Jake | ||
| jakebass
Member Username: jakebass Post Number: 64 Registered: 7-2007 |
Hey Ray, thanks so much for link to the video, some lovely things happening there. Jake | ||
| jimmyj
Junior Username: jimmyj Post Number: 44 Registered: 8-2008 |
Jake, Ah, cool, many thanks! Allan's music is still like no other and that was an exciting time for me - so excuse the overly-excited bass fills. Ha! Ray, Love the Steve Bailey stories - that's rough! Thanks for the dvd offer but it's funny, I'm used to hearing myself play and sometimes get a kick out of audio from my distant past, but I've never been interested in watching myself play... I must avert my eyes. Hey, I know you have a million photos from that period. If you come across a good shot of the old fretted bass (stolen in 1987) could you post it here? Thanks! Jimmy J (Message edited by jimmyj on March 05, 2009) (Message edited by jimmyj on March 05, 2009) | ||
| artswork99
Senior Member Username: artswork99 Post Number: 588 Registered: 7-2007 |
Ray, Thanks for the video entertainment. Great set and trio work Jimmy! | ||
| jakebass
Member Username: jakebass Post Number: 65 Registered: 7-2007 |
Hi Jimmy, "Overly-excited bass fills" (you're allowed in my book... and some) I'm sure it was an exciting time and rightly so, I regard Allan as one of the foremost contemporary music writers. I guess it's a taste thing but the reason I like Allan in particular is that he retains a very real sense of melody despite being at the cutting edge of harmonic and rhythmic possibility, whereas some writers abandon palatability in favour of displaying chops. There is a lot of music out there at the moment that is about the player (especially recently on bass) I think the real art lies in never abandoning the support role but having an interesting enough voice in that register to make it valid. Only a life long challenge... he he. It's why I love it. Jake | ||
| uswjtfan
New Username: uswjtfan Post Number: 3 Registered: 4-2006 |
Hi JJ, Had to go do day-gig business in Albuquerque this week, so my response is delayed. I have one photo, right off the bat, in digital format already, of the bass that you mention. Unfortunately, you were playing it at the time, so I cropped it so you will not have to avert your eyes (chuckle). It is not high quality as I expect of my photos these days. Back then, I was focused on recording the WJT music. I only brought my camera out for snapshots a few times. Photography was on the back burner for me. I was working 84 hours a week 100 miles south of you back in 1982, so I do not have as many photographs as you would expect. I do have some slides from years ago that I have not looked at in years. Many slides that I took got lost because I lived in a house that caught on fire in Burbank. Maybe I do have some photos of the stolen bass in what slides are remaining, so I will look, when I have time. Here is the photo that I have found today.  Ray (Message edited by uswjtfan on March 13, 2009) | ||
| uswjtfan
New Username: uswjtfan Post Number: 4 Registered: 4-2006 |
JJ, I have some audio recordings that will not make you have to avert your eyes, while you listen. I have restored digital renditions of Arrowhead and EPP that may be the best available. Drummer BB provided the EPP recording for the restoration of that one. Arrowhead came from something that I did directly from the master tape, when it was in the Jon Clarke homestead. Ray (Message edited by uswjtfan on March 12, 2009) (Message edited by uswjtfan on March 13, 2009) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7722 Registered: 5-2002 |
Ray; great video! Thanks for posting! | ||
| thomas53
New Username: thomas53 Post Number: 1 Registered: 4-2009 |
Hi Jimmy, I'm a hardcore Flim and the BB's fan. I love your bass playing, the music, all of it. What are the chances that you, Billy, Bill and Dick will get together and do another project? Tom | ||
| jimmyj
Junior Username: jimmyj Post Number: 50 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey Tom, Thanks for that, always nice to hear from BB's fans. We had fun making those records and I think you can hear it in the music. Even the Warner Bros. experience was ... interesting and educational. It was not really a normal kind of band, we only got together when projects were presented to us. Consequently, when WB passed on our 3rd record option we let it go. So, no plans at this time to do any more together. But one never knows... Thanks for asking. Jimmy J | ||
| jos
New Username: jos Post Number: 1 Registered: 4-2009 |
HI Jimmy! I have been a fan of yours for a long time. I am really impressed by your sound and how you chose your notes on the instrument, always the right ones and in the right place and always some nice surprises. I truly love your playing. As a bass player myself I am curious about your current equipment and what are you using today, besides of Alembic basses of course? I did stay close to Baked Potato last January when you did perform there with Allan Holdsworth but unfortunately it was sold out (both concerts) | ||
| jimmyj
Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 51 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey Jan-Olof, Thanks for the very kind words. Sorry we missed you at the Potato but, another time... Gear talk? Of course, that's why we're in here! I'm still playing the same 5-string Series Alembics - a 1980 graphite fretless is the oldest, an '87 fretted is the main studio bass, two more '89 fretted basses are road bass and road backup/practice bass, and one more graphite fretless from '82 which I don't think I've ever played in public. That's my collection, no other electric basses in this house. I like the sound these basses direct, full range. I never really got into bass amps as part of my sound - if you know what I mean. So for the studio I just bring the '80 and '87, a power supply, a tuner and a DI box (lately I've been carrying an A-Design's REDDI). I will only mic an amp if the Artist or engineer insists... When I play live I still don't often carry an amp. For a local club or playing in somebody's garage I'll bring a Walter Woods head and one or two EV-12" speakers in Thiel boxes. BUT even in the tiny Baked Potato I also plug into the PA system. On the road when traveling light it's a power supply with a modified Simon Systems DI box and I rely on the PA monitor wedges to hear myself on stage. When I can bring the trunk I have a 3-space rack with a power supply, tuner, REDDI DI box and a small headphone amp to drive my in-ear monitors. There you go, more than you ever wanted to know! Special mention to the great audio engineers I've had the chance to work with who make these basses sound extra good! Jimmy J | ||
| jos
New Username: jos Post Number: 2 Registered: 4-2009 |
HI Jimmy! Many thanks for the answer! The answer was actually something I was expecting from you. The Alembic basses really are on another level when the instrument is properly used and understood. Most of the bass systems on the market today are not really on the same level with Alembic basses. Bass players do endorsement deals most because of practical reasons. Manufactures usually use the cheapest speakers and components to keep the cost down. I used to use a PA speaker system in the early days for my basses with EV speakers to get them sound full range. In studio I did experiment with Millennia, Avalon and some more but Alembic preamp and Radial works too. Better studios always have good stuff anyway. Do you record the bass in two channels or one? I discovered that the Series bass sounds soooo good when recorded in two channels, its big like a house. For live sound I will just use different stuff Ampeg SVT for dirt and Rock & Roll similar stuff like you for Jazz just because the clubs are small……. and quite much Alembic preamp with Power amp and with two or four 12`speakers. I think 10`are too tight for 5 string bass sometimes …..but of course depending on the speakers. What kind of strings are you using? I have tied all kind of strings but did find that GHS Boomers sounds good with Alembic because of the midrange they have (or Elixire same string with coating) but Dean Markley Blue Steel if you like some more squeak. I also noticed how much bigger 45-130 sounds than 40-125 even if 40 feels good to play and sounds bigger then other strings when they are Boomers. But question for you is because your sound is sooooo good what are you using? It must definitely be the right thing!!!! I will check out what you are using…you have to remember that you are GOD!!! | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2171 Registered: 10-2002 |
Hey Jan-Olof, remember me? I was one of the three Alembic players you chatted with in Manchester at Bass day Uk a few years ago. I really loved your playing at that session and we're still waiting for you to come back for more or maybe even to do some JOS band gigs in Scotland ;-) edit - on the subject of 10" speakers, I back my EBS NEO 4x10 up with a NEO 2x12 and get superb coverage for all 5 strings. Mike Pisanek (who was also at manchester) uses a pair of Eden 210XST cabinets and they have an unbelievably low thump but I don't think they voice the upper register very well. Graeme (Message edited by jacko on April 13, 2009) | ||
| jos
New Username: jos Post Number: 3 Registered: 4-2009 |
Hi Graeme! Of course I remember you! How can you forget an Alembic user? Alembic rules Brother! Yes you are right EBS NEO 410 is one of the best products they have produced so far. My son (who is also a bass player) has two EBS 410 NEOS and loves them. They have more low end than most 4X10 speakers. I use most of the time two EBS NEO 2X12 or then the same speaker combination you have. But for my Alembic Series One 5-String I did find the 2X12 more suitable. But things change all the time depending on the bass that I use and so on…. Yes the Eden speaker is also one of the good ones…. it has strong EQ in the mid range and that is a part of the Eden sound. Other good useful stuff I did find is the new TC Rebel Head bass system. It’s actually the best D class amp so far. It would be nice to come to Scotland one day and hopefully to Manchester Bass Day again. I have a new instructional book/DVD coming out in September and there supposed to be three different versions of it: Finnish, English and German. But with the economical crises I do not know the schedule of the English and German versions yet. I was happy to find Jimmy J here, one of my all time favourite bass players, and now you!!! GREAT!!! | ||
| jimmyj
Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 52 Registered: 8-2008 |
Jan-Olof, (hey Graeme), First of all, you'd better drop that "God" sh** right now, I'm just a bass player like most everybody else in here. You guys all know more about current gear than I do because I have been using the same stuff for years. What can I say, it works for me and I tend to stick with what works. Unlike a lot of players, I am not on the continuous gear quest. I pretty much do just one thing, two if you count the fretless, and I don't even play any thumb (an area that I think Jan-Olof is fully licensed...) Most people I play with know what sound they will get if they call me. And while I have been lucky to fit into a bunch of different musical situations, I know my sound is not for everybody. The "big as a house" thing sometimes takes up too much space in a track where a narrower bandwidth sound like a Fender might be a better fit. In that case I'm not the guy to call. To me the wide open natural sound of these instruments is more acoustic than electric - It goes great with acoustic piano and acoustic guitar, for instance. And that extra top end available is nice for you funk-meisters. So to answer your questions Jan-O... Yes, I have recorded in stereo - slightly split pickup panning - but only on the Flim & the BB's projects and the Holdsworth records. It is a great sound when there is room for all that tone. I've played ghs boomers on my fretted basses since my first 5-string in 1976. Right now it's their standard 5M-DYB medium gauge set - 45, 65, 85, 105, 130. I change them often. One other thing: Gear talk is great but everybody has their own sound and it mostly comes from your hands. If we sat with each other and swapped rigs I would sound like Jimmy on your bass and you would sound like Jan-Olof on mine. You know what I mean? Changes that you make with your gear can seem huge to you but outside of your own head it's often hard for anybody else to notice. Cheers, Jimmy J | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 1024 Registered: 3-2004 |
Well then how bout' exceptional, tasteful, wonderful chops coupled with a musical economy that plays for the composition and not the ego, fluid and extremely humble. But if you were a different sort, imagine the merch possibilities. Fan club fezzes! Or the buffalo hats from The Honeymooners! Shirts, caps, T's, mouse pads, shoe horns for the older set, golf club covers, key fobs, ringtones. The possibilities are endless. Travel Network show "Cookin' with Flim" as you tour the globe.Picture a segment traveling the Pubs of Ireland and the UK with AH to find the best bubble and squeek, bangers and mash, Welsh Rarebit, and assorted puddings. I'd watch it. I'd make time to watch it. I'd even go to Sam Ash and promote it. Especially if you did a China segment. "Jimmy Flim Johnson, not a god but a damn fine bassist and human being." Sincerely, A Fan |
